Sixth-Seeded DePaul Falls to No. 2 Villanova 4-1 in BIG EAST Tournament

Friday, May 12

Storrs, Conn.

2:15 P.M. CT

DePaul University

19-32

No. 2 Villanova

36-21

Villanova

DePaul

Nicole Sullivan and Abbey Pochie High Five

Sixth-Seeded DePaul Falls to No. 2 Villanova 4-1 in BIG EAST Tournament

5/12/2023 6:58:00 PM | SOFTBALL

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Blue Demons season comes to a close after claiming a pair of wins in the conference tournament

STORRS, Conn. – Facing elimination for the third time in as many days, DePaul softball wouldn't go down without a fight before eventually falling to two-time reigning champions, Villanova, 4-1 on Friday at the 2023 BIG EAST Tournament.

The Blue Demons fell behind by a run after the second inning, but would go on to leave four Wildcat runners in scoring position through the next three innings to keep the game within reach and level the score in the fifth inning. DePaul had their chances in the final two innings, loading the bases in the sixth and having the first two batters reach in the final frame, but couldn't capitalize as Villanova posted three runs in the latter stages to advance to Friday's semifinal.

Nicole Sullivan, Anna Wohlers and Grace Frazier all notched multi-hit outings for the Blue Demons with sophomore Addison Talbot driving in the lone run of the day.

Three pitchers saw action in the circle for the Blue Demons with Abbey Pochie getting the start. Pochie went three innings, allowing four hits and just one unearned run. Brenna Smith came on in the fourth in relief, hurling three and two-thirds, also surrendering four hits and a run. Freshman Bella Nigey came on in the seventh and surrendered a pair of solo home runs and made way for Pochie's re-entry to secure the final out.

How it Happened
Villanova jumped on the board in the second inning, as a one-out DePaul error came around to score on an RBI-single.

The Wildcats threatened again in the third, but the Blue Demon defense turned their third double play of the tournament to get out of the jam.

Talbot's RBI-single in the fifth inning knotted the score at 1-1, bringing Frazier's leadoff double around to score and giving the Blue Demons new life.

A leadoff double worked around to cross in the top of the sixth, pushing Villanova's lead to 2-1.

DePaul loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth as Wohlers and Alvers recorded base hits before Frazier drew a walk but all three were left aboard.

The Wildcats took a 4-1 lead in the top of the seventh with a pair of solo home runs.

Looking to mount a rally in the bottom of the seventh, the Blue Demons saw Sullivan and Cosgrove kick start the momentum with a pair of base hits, but the Wildcats would close the door on any scoring chance with the final three outs of the game.

DePaul closes out their season 19-32 including a 9-15 mark in BIG EAST play.